Seiko Presage Automatic Blue "Tuxedo" Ref. SARX045 - An Elegant Gentleman's Watch, A Review (plus Video)

I am really into dress watches now. Having tasted the quality and beauty of Seiko's classy dress watches from the Grand Seiko line right down to the level entry Seiko 5 line, my hunger for more is insatiable. While researching the Japanese Seiko website, I came across the SARX045, a watch under the Presage line. This particular model is a JDM hence information can only be found on the Japanese website, not on the global website.

Not a lot has been written and commented on the SARX045. As part of the Presage line under the Prestige sub-category, the SARX045 has a MSRP of YEN70,000 and has a contemporary dress watch design. Made out of stainless steel, the dial is protected by a flat sapphire crystal with inner AR coating. It has a screw-down display case-back with Hardly crystal. It's width is 39.5 mm (excluding the crown), lug width is 20.0 mm, lug-to-lug length is 48.0 mm and a height of 11.3 mm. Although the crown utilises a push-in style system, the watch is still water rated to 10 ATM or 100 meters. Powered by a Seiko automatic 6R15D movement with manual wind and seconds hand stop capabilities, the watch has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.

Seiko 5 Sports Stainless Steel Green Dial 'Turtle' SRPB13K1 - Clean Dial Without Clutter, A Review (plus Video)

I saw this interesting deal from Amazon the other day. For just USD144.99 or RM614.22, I could get my hands on the Seiko 5 SRPB13K1. Adding the courier and taxes changer totalling USD39.84 or RM168.77, the SRPB13K1 would be on my desk within 5 days.

In Kuala Lumpur, the MSRP is RM1,166.00 (including GST). The best price I've seen is RM935.00 although I suspect I would be able to get one for RM816.20 (30% discount). Compared to Amazon all in price of RM782.99, I've decided to get one.

The watch is part of the reissue or reinterpretation programme by Seiko on their classic watch models. The 'turtle' frame is a famous series of watches that have a strong following and the SRPB13K1 is specifically made to piggyback on that interest. Other similar reissue or reinterpretation under the 'turtle' series that I currently have are: (1) Open Heart SSA327K1, (2) Green Carbon LE SRPA89K1, (3) Sports Helmet SSA283K1.

Seiko SKX007KD (similar to SKX007K2) Professional Diver 200M with Jubilee Bracelet - Feel and Look more Valuable, A Review (with Video)

After all the years collecting iconic watches, I finally got myself the famous SKX007 with the Jubilee bracelet. Although I have the SKX009 with rubber strap (the strap disintegrated on me recently in November 2017), I always harbour the interest of one on a Jubilee bracelet.  Saw one on Amazon with a good price and I ordered it.

The specifications of the watch is similar to that of the SKX009 apart from a single colour bezel and Jubilee bracelet. If if you want to know details, do visit the review on the SKX009. The link is here:

Seiko SKX009K1 Automatic Professional Diver 200M - A Good Cheap Watch, A Review.

After going through the original review of the watch I bought in 2011 (review was written in 2014), I realised that the review didn't do justice to the watch. As such, I will attempt to provide more information on this iconic timepiece.

Instructions by Seiko on how to Resize the Brand's various Bracelet Designs

Below is the instructions provided by Seiko in their 2017 Catalogue. I realised that a number of their bracelet designs I have yet to encounter. 

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Seiko bracelets are designed to be elegant and durable, as well as easy to adjust.
PRO TIPS
• Before “sizing,” estimate the number of links you’ll want to remove, and remove sections, rather than individual links, when you can.
• If you are only making a small adjustment, check to see if it can be made by adjusting the clasp mechanism before you start removing links.
• Save the removed links.
• Work on a flat surface so the links stay aligned.
• On expansion bracelets, remove links from near the center of the watchband.
• On clasp bracelets, remove an equal number of links from the bracelet on each side of the clasp.

Seiko Spirit Chronograph Giugiaro Design 'Ripley Aliens' Limited Edition SCED041 - Cute and Quirky Timepiece that Speaks Volume, A Review (plus Video)

Designed by the Italian designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Seiko Giugiaro 7A28-7000 is an asymmetric chronograph first seen in the movie Aliens. In fact, this watch was one of the first of the collaboration between the two powerhouses using the 7A28 movement. This caliber is famous as being the first analogue quartz chronograph movement in the world. The year was 1983. It was only in 1986 with the release of the movie 'Aliens' did the watch became insanely famous.

When it was announced in 2016 of the reissue, I was initially interested. However, the urge waned as I was more interested in mechanical watches (On hindsight, I didn't realised that I was turning into a typical 'mechanical watch snob' - everything not mechanical considered trash. Fortunately, I saw the light to the correct path for a horologist). 

The Seiko Giugiaro 'Ripley Aliens' reissues are all limited edition pieces. Due to the indecisiveness, I missed out a lot of the models on sale. I thought I would never get the chance to get one until I saw an offer by SeiyaJapan. The model reference was SCED041 and I quickly made the order. This is the second Giugiaro designed watch in the collection.